Baby Essentials Checklist | Newborn Must-Haves Guide for Expecting Parents

August 14, 2025

SECTION 1 — SLEEP & BEDTIME ESSENTIALS

1. Bedside Crib (Next2Me Style)

A bedside crib keeps your baby safely next to you while maintaining their own sleep space ideal for the first 6 months.

Why you need it:

Supports safe newborn sleep
Keeps baby close for night feeds
Makes settling quicker and easier

Typical price: £80–£110*

👉 Get yours on Amazon here

Once you’ve chosen your crib, the next thing to consider is how well the mattress is supported — especially if the crib is second-hand or has been used regularly.

2. Pigley’s Corner Mattress Support Board

2. Mattress Support Board (Essential Upgrade)

Recommended for improving mattress support in bedside cribs

A mattress support board creates a firm, stable base inside your crib, preventing sagging or dipping over time.

Why you need it:

Prevents mattress dipping in bedside cribs
Supports safe newborn sleep posture
Creates a firm, even sleep surface

Price: £29.99

👉 Shop mattress support boards here

With a properly supported base in place, the next step is choosing the right mattress as this directly impacts your baby’s comfort and sleep quality.

3. Crib Mattress

3. Crib Mattress (Next2Me Compatible)

A crib mattress provides the cushioning and support your baby sleeps on, designed to fit snugly inside bedside cribs.

Why you need it:

Ensures a comfortable sleep surface
Helps regulate temperature and airflow
Designed for a snug, safe fit inside the crib

Typical price: £10–£20

👉 Get yours on Amazon here

To keep your baby comfortable night after night, you’ll also need properly fitted sheets that stay secure and easy to clean.

4. Fitted Crib Sheets

Fitted sheets are designed to snugly cover your baby’s mattress, providing a soft and breathable sleep surface.

Why you need it:

Keeps the sleep surface clean and hygienic
Soft and comfortable against baby’s skin
Easy to remove and wash regularly

Typical price: £10–£25*

👉 Get yours on Amazon here

Accidents and spills are part of everyday life with a newborn, which is why adding a waterproof layer underneath your sheets is a simple but essential upgrade.

5. Waterproof Mattress Protector

A waterproof mattress protector sits beneath your sheet to protect the mattress from spills, leaks, and accidents.

Why you need it:

Protects your mattress from leaks and spills
Extends the life of your mattress
Easy to remove and wash

Typical price: £5–£15*

👉 Get yours on Amazon here

Once your baby is settled for the night, having a way to check on them without disturbing their sleep can give real peace of mind.

6. Nursery Camera / Baby Monitor

A baby monitor allows you to keep an eye on your baby remotely while they sleep.

Why you need it:

Lets you monitor baby without entering the room
Provides peace of mind during naps and overnight
Many models include night vision and audio

Typical price: £30–£40

👉 Get yours on Amazon here

During night feeds and changes, having a soft, gentle light can make things much easier without fully waking your baby.

7. Night Light

A night light provides soft, low-level lighting for night feeds and changes without disturbing your baby’s sleep.

Why you need it:

Gentle lighting that won’t fully wake baby
Helps during night feeds and nappy changes
Creates a calm sleep environment

Typical price: £15–£20*

👉 Get yours on Amazon here

Finally, some babies settle better with consistent background noise, which is where a white noise machine can be really helpful.

8. White Noise Machine

A white noise machine creates soothing background sounds that can help babies fall asleep and stay asleep longer.

Why you need it:

Helps mask household noise
Can improve sleep duration
Creates a consistent sleep environment

Typical price: £20–£25*

👉 Get yours on Amazon here

With your baby’s sleep setup sorted, the next thing to prepare is a practical and easy-to-manage changing setup — something you’ll be using multiple times a day.